A Celebration of Change and Youth

The cultural fraternity of Bangladesh came together at the vibrant gala of “Celebrating Life”, a competition jointly organised by The Daily Star and Standard Chartered Bank, at the International Convention City in Dhaka’s Bashundhara this evening.

The event began with a somber, fitting dedication to Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain, the Holy Artisan martyr who celebrated life in the face of imminent death, and has become a symbolic figure of the Bangaldeshi youth’s bravery and selflessness.

Prominent singers Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya, Ferdous Ara and Sadya Afreen Mallick then led chorus of three songs – Anondoloke, Nirmol Koro and Joy Hok, accompanied by dance performances led by Samina Husain Prema, Abu Nayeem and Rachel Perris respectively.

Three eminent personalities of the cultural fraternity – eminent composer Alam Khan, thespian Ferdausi Majumdar and veteran cinematographer Reza Latif were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony.

Along with the Chief Guest Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, Standard Chartered Bangladesh CEO Abrar A Anwar and The Daily Star’s Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam, iconic figures of Bangladesh’s cultural arena came together to confer the honours.

Ferdousi Rahman, Runa Laila, Babita, Aly Zaker, Sara Zaker graced the stage to hand over the awards, and share personal memories with the honourees.